Winter Roof Health — An Owner’s Guide to Spot Problems Early and Prevent Costly Damage

Winter is hard on commercial roofs. Snow, ice and freeze‑thaw cycles magnify small defects and turn them into leaks, wet insulation and downtime. The good news — most winter damage is preventable with simple routines and right‑sized fixes.

This owner’s guide explains what to watch, what to do and when to call Commonwealth Roofing Corp. (CRC) for help. Keep it handy through the season.

Why winter creates leaks

• Freeze‑thaw expansion. Water that sneaks into tiny gaps at seams and flashings freezes, expands and pries the opening wider. After a few cycles, a hairline split becomes a leak path.
• Ice dams. Meltwater refreezes at drains, scuppers and cold edges, forming ridges that trap more water — which backs up under laps or flashings.
• Snow load and drift. Deep drifts pile up along parapets and around rooftop units. Extra weight stresses edges and can deform details.
• Thermal movement. Temperature swings make membranes and metals expand and contract. Weak seams and loose fasteners worsen in cold snaps.
• Blocked drainage. Slush and debris clog drains. Standing water then freezes — stressing the system and finding ways inside.

The owner’s winter checklist (simple, repeatable, fast)

Use these habits to catch issues before they grow. If rooftop access is unsafe, observe from the ground or interior and call CRC.

Before the first freeze (or as soon as possible):

1. Walk the perimeter and interior. Look for stains on ceilings or walls, musty odors, bowed tiles and any history of problem areas.
2. Confirm drainage. Make sure drains, strainers, gutters and scuppers are clear and secure.
3. Tighten the details. Re‑secure loose edge metal; address lifted laps or small splits now — they will widen in the cold.
4. Seal penetrations and curbs. Check pipe boots, pitch pans and unit curbs for cracks or gaps.
5. Mark safe access and paths. Identify roof access points, walk pads and service routes to reduce slip and puncture risk.
6. Stage basics. Keep buckets, caution tape, spare tiles and contact info ready inside the building for quick interior protection.

After each storm or major thaw:

1. Check for ponding that lingers more than 24–48 hours. It may indicate blocked drains or low spots.
2. Look for ice ridges at drains and scuppers. Ice here signals backups — call for help rather than chipping it yourself.
3. Scan edges and penetrations. Watch for lifted flashing, exposed fasteners or wind‑scoured areas near parapets and large units.
4. Walk the interior. New stains, damp smells or ceiling sagging are early warnings — escalate quickly.

Every two weeks in cold months:

• Reconfirm drainage and strainers. Debris moves with wind.
• Review equipment areas. Vibration from rooftop units loosens details; look closely around curbs and conduit penetrations.
• Document everything. A quick photo log helps you spot changes and speeds decisions if service is needed.

Do and don’t — winter roof care

Do

• Use trained personnel with fall protection for rooftop checks.
• Use plastic shovels and set depth if snow removal is required for structural reasons.
• Call professionals for ice removal and membrane repairs.
• Keep communication tight — facilities, safety and your roofing partner should share updates.

Don’t

• Don’t chip ice on a membrane — you’ll cause punctures.
• Don’t spread salt or deicer on single‑ply roofs — chemistry can harm membranes and metals.
• Don’t ignore a small interior drip — moisture spreads inside the system even if the ceiling looks fine.

When to call CRC immediately

• You see standing water that turns to ice near drains or overflows.
• A leak appears after a thaw or wind event.
• A curb, boot or edge metal looks lifted or displaced.
• You suspect heavy drifting near parapets or large units.
• Interior finishes, equipment or electrical are at risk.

CRC’s service teams focus on rapid, right‑sized fixes — the kind that stabilize risk now and spare your budget.

What CRC does on a winter service call

• Trace the source — not just the stain. The visible drip can be far from the entry point. CRC techs test seams and details to find the root cause.
• Dry, seal and protect. Where safe, we remove small wet areas, dry the deck and install compatible patches.
• Restore drainage. We clear clogs and confirm that drains, scuppers and overflows move water.
• Reinforce vulnerable edges. Temporary edge or corner protection carries you to warmer weather for permanent work.
• Document clearly. You receive photos, plain‑language notes and next steps you can approve quickly.

Budget‑savvy options after the deep freeze

When temperatures moderate, CRC helps you choose the next smart step:

• Targeted repairs to stop active leaks and protect insulation when the overall system is sound. This delivers fast results without overspending.
• Restoration with coatings if the membrane and insulation are dry and stable — a way to extend service life with minimal disruption when conditions are right.
• Recover (overlay) where code and manufacturer guidance permit, and only after mapping and removing wet insulation.
• Metal retrofit to address chronic fastener and lap issues on aging metal roofs.
• Full replacement when moisture is widespread or the system is at end of life — planned with manufacturer inspection and documentation for warranty issuance.

We focus on systems where we deliver the best long‑term value.

How to keep winter roof costs under control

• Tackle critical items first. Fast, focused repairs prevent spread and protect interiors.
• Group preventive work. Schedule non‑urgent items together when weather allows to reduce mobilizations.
• Maintain records. Photos and simple logs help track progress and support warranty and insurance conversations.
• Plan ahead. Line up spring evaluation early — calendars fill fast after winter.

A measured pitch — and your next step

You don’t need to choose between doing nothing and overspending. Commonwealth Roofing Corp. (CRC) brings KRCA‑certified crews, disciplined inspections and clear reporting that helps you act quickly and confidently. Our approach is designed to find what others miss, resolve issues with right‑sized work and keep operations moving — without breaking the bank.

If winter has exposed weak points, let’s walk your roof, document conditions and build a practical plan that protects people, property and production.

Safety, Service, & Quality — every day since 1981.
Louisville: (502) 459-2216
Hebron: (859) 943-0012
Service: (888) 818-4842